Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Christopher O'Sullivan has outlined schemes available to provide support for those impacted by restrictions on turf-cutting on protected sites.

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane asked the minister if his department is considering a new phase of supports for existing Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme applicants, "as per correspondence issued to applicants".

Minister O'Sullivan replied: “The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme was established following engagement with stakeholders in 2011 for active domestic turf cutters arising from the restrictions on turf cutting on 53 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and was extended in 2014 to include 36 raised bog Natural Heritage Areas (NHA).”

“This scheme has compensated those impacted by restrictions on turf-cutting on protected sites, and over its 15-year term has helped to ensure the conservation of important peatland sites of unique ecological value.”

Other schemes

The minister went on to note that the National Parks and Wildlife Service "offers other schemes to support the conservation of these sites and local community groups".

These include the Protected Raised Bog Restoration Incentive Scheme, which he described as “a once-off, area based financial incentive and voluntary land purchase scheme which enables the conservation of protected peatlands”.

He said: “The scheme is open to applications from eligible property right holders who wish to have their lands included as part of a restoration scheme or where access is required for restoration measures within protected raised bogs.”

Minister O’Sullivan also cited the Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme, which he said “aims to encourage local communities, organisations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to actively contribute to the conservation and restoration of Natura 2000 sites and peatland areas and funds a diverse range of initiatives with community benefit”.

The minister also said that other supports, “such as those operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland and the Department of Social Protection, are available to those with older homes, inefficient heating systems and those most at risk of fuel poverty”.

Turf debate

In light of the ongoing fuel crisis, turf has become the subject of heated debate in government buildings.

Recently, Independent Offaly TD Carol Nolan called on the government to immediately suspend the ban on the commercial sale of turf, and allow the retail and advertised sale of turf to take place.

She said that turf sales should resume at least for the duration of the energy crisis.

"We are importing hundreds of tonnes of peat and briquettes into this country while banning the sale of our own natural resource," Nolan said.

On a separate occasion, Nolan said that it is "economic madness" to import peat while at the same time criminalising the commercial sale of peat in Ireland.